Our Zach is Pride of Britain
Huge congratulations from all of us at the Epilepsy Society to Zach Eagling who has been recognised with a Pride of Britain Award for his tireless campaigning to make it a criminal offence to send seizure-inducing flashing images on social media.
You can watch the Pride of Britain Awards on Thursday 23rd October on ITV at 8pm
Zach attended a star-studded event in London to receive his Teenage of Courage Award, rubbing shoulders with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and a galaxy of celebrities including the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Michael Sheen and Rob Rinder. But the real stars of the night were the amazing award winners, including Zach, whose individual courage, bravery and determination moved many of the red-carpet guests to tears.
Zach headed up our Zach’s Law campaign to stop internet trolls trying to induce seizures in people with epilepsy. He was one of the first victims to be targeted in a malicious and co-ordinated attack when he was just eight years old and fundraising for the Epilepsy Society by walking 2.6km in his back yard. Zach has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
His mum, Claire Keer, had posted videos of the challenge on X. Thankfully Zach wasn’t injured, but he recognised the danger of the trolls and quickly became the face and name of our campaign to bring them to justice. The new legislation – Zach’s Law - was included in the Online Safety Act, which officially came into effect in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023.
First law to safeguard people with epilepsy
It is the first time in the UK and, we believe, in the world that legislation has been written specifically to safeguard people with epilepsy and means anyone who posts flashing images with intent to trigger a seizure could face a five-year prison sentence. You can find more information about Zach’s law here.
Clare Pelham, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Society said: “There could not be a more apt winner of the Pride of Britain Teenager of Courage award, than Zach. He was only eight-years old when he was maliciously targeted by internet trolls while raising money for the Epilepsy Society. And yet with wisdom beyond his years and courage beyond imagination he stood up to those trolls and beat them. When most boys of his age were in school, he was meeting with prime ministers and policy makers to tackle the trolls and ensure that legislation was introduced to safeguard people with epilepsy online. Zach’s Law will always be a testament to a young man who faced down evil and made the world a safer place for everyone with epilepsy. Well done, Zach. You are amazing.”
Zach told the Epilepsy Society: “I am really happy to be recognised for all my hard work. It feels very special to be named as Pride of Britain’s Teenager of Courage. I am very pleased to have been able to head up the Epilepsy Society’s campaign to make the world a safer place online for everyone with epilepsy.”
And his mum, Claire said: “Zach is incredible in his determination to make change happen where it is needed. When he was first targeted by internet trolls, they had no idea who they were up against. Zach’s Law is the first ever legislation written specifically for people with epilepsy. I am so proud of my son.”
Watch on Pride of Britain on ITV
You can read more about the Pride of Britain Awards here and don’t forget to tune in to watch the awards ceremony which will be broadcast on Thursday 23rd October on ITV at 8pm.